Collecting Diana 2011

Today I took some time and worked on one of my older dolls  The  Sarah Fergsuon Royal wedding doll.

Since I moved here poor Sarah has been some what negelcted and I just thought it was time to bring her out in to the light and  see what she looks like displayed with the new Catherine doll . First thing I did was wash her veil  with lemon juice and baking soda and some warm water. I filled the sink up with warm water and then put 1/4 cup of lemon jucie in to it then add 1 cup of baking soda then I  laid  a towel down on the counter next to the sink and placed the doll on it wth the veil hanging in to the sink.   then I just sort of washed it like I was hand washing a delicate item.   Once I got it to where the veil looked brigther and white again I drained the water and then rinsed it with warm water then gently pressed the veil together to “wring” it I didn’t want to twist it because the material is very old and I  didn’t want to risk it tearing.  Then I took my hairdryer and put it on warm and just moved it along the length of the veil until it was dry. The next thing to do was the gown, I had to take the gown off the doll and I used my iron on steam to release the wrinkles. I had to be carful because of the hand beading and sequins on the gown. I also lowered the temp. of the iron and gave the underskirt and good burst of steam to sort of make it lay flat so the gown would hang right on the doll.   After it was all done I was really proud of how she came out after her make over. Danbury mint has changed alot since they made The Sarah doll and thier Diana doll So I wasn’t sure how she would really look with Catherine . I think she looks  darling with Diana and Catherine and  together they make a beautful display.I chose to display her with the Franklin Mint Diana instead of the Danbury Mint because this is one of my favorite dolls.  I am sure Sarah is happy to be among the family again.

Today I recieved mycataloge for the Franklin Mint and inside were the new Diana dolls.

Scanned By Dani Of Collecting Diana

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What a Wonderful surprise it is to find that Franklin Mint Released two more Diana Dolls.

The First one we will discuss is The  Princess Diana Vinyl Portrait Doll – Gray Silk & Pearl Gown

This gown was made by Catherine Walker and was Lot Number 41 in the Christie’s Auction.

Diana Also Wore this gown In the beautiful photo shoot done by Mario Testino.

The Second New Diana Doll is wearing Lot 61A gown Designed By Victor Edelstein. Diana Wore this gown for a official Portrait in the 90s and She also wore it during the photo shoot By Mario Testino   

Order Numbers are

Grey Gown:Item Number: B11F104

Purple Gown:Item Number: B11F103

Http://www.franklinmint.com

Today I recieved the flyer for a new baby doll  that is dedicated to Diana.  Her name is Rose and She comes with a Locket of the late Princess as well as a velvet pillow. She is not suppose to be a “Diana” Doll. It looks like to me she is a little girl paying tribute to the princess.  She is made by Ashton Drake and cost 199.00 or 6 payments of 33.00.No word on if this will be a series or not.

While browsing The Franklin Mint website and checking My account to see if the new Diana has shipped yet.  I  came across  this Share Your Story contest on thier website. I decided to go ahead and write a short piece on why I started collecting Diana Dolls With My daughter Brianna’s help we gathered all of our favorites in our collection and took a group shot to include with our story. The winning prize is said to be worth $250.00 . I wonder what it could be perhaphs a gift certificate. I could sure use one of those.

Here is our story

In 1997 my Daughter was born, I wanted to share my love of doll collecting with her we started with the usuals Barbies and some baby doll type dolls but for some reason I did not feel connected to them and I  knew if this collection was going to mean anything to the both of us the dolls had to be special. August 31st happend and the world lost Diana, Princess of Wales. Like most of her fans I was upset but I then thought to my self what if I could find Princess Diana dolls that were made when I was younger that would be a good start.But locating them at that time was impossible her secondary market prices were through the roof So I quickly dismissed that idea. Then one after noon in the mail I recieved a brochere on the Vinyl Diana Doll that the Franklin Mint was going make in honor of her. I knew then this was my chance to start a historic collection for my daughter . I did not purchase the vinyl one right away I wanted to go to the Franklin Mint store and see the doll for my self . My husband took me there and in we walked and i was likea little kid in a candy store. I asked about the vinyl Diana and unfortunatly they did not have any of her in stock but they did have several Porcelains. After talking it over with my husaband I settled on the Princess of Style Diana Doll. From there I purchased the Vinyl Diana and all of her clothes and the collectors trunk. Here I am 11 years laters and 19 Diana Dolls later and still captivated by the Franklin Mint’s Diana Doll. Even though the Franklin Mint has been through so much drama in the last few years they still managed to give Diana’s fans beautiful dolls in her likeness. I was able to share with my daughter the legacy of The People’s Princess through the dolls clothes and events in which she wore them. Together we enjoy keeping Diana’s legacy alive in our home with these beautiful dolls

I came across this article in a Doll Magazine from 1998. It has some great information on all the paper doll publications that were produced.

Today my Franklin Mint catalog arrived in the mail today.The new Diana doll was also included. I am very excited about this one. I think that its the color of the gown that makes it so beautiful and the hair looks fabulous.  The last couple of dolls I have recieved from the Mint the hair has been really great. So if the hair on this one looks half as good as it does in the ad I am going to be really happy. The end of the month is approaching  so she will began shipping pretty soon and I will be sure to have actual photos up as soon as mine arrives.

Captured By Collecting Diana Do Not Copy

The earrings look close enough to the ones that came with the Princess of Sophiscation Doll.I really hope this not the offical name of this doll because we already havea Princess of Hearts doll  commonly known among collectors as the 98 Christmas doll. Never the less I am very excited about this one.  Now if they would just release the Hachi Diana again I would be jumping for joy :) Oh well there is always Christmas.

The Franklin Mint is finally listening to it’s customers and giving us a 80′s style Diana. This doll is based on the  gown Diana wore to Australia  in 1985. Where she wore the Queen Marry choker as a bandeau. This beauty is priced at 195.00 with 3 payments of $65.00.She is bound to sell out soon so get your orders in. Her order number is  B11F105 you can order her through this number 1800-the-mint. *When My Franklin Mint catloge arrives Ill add the actual photos asap.